Nov 18, 2008 10:39 am US/Eastern
Study: Exercise, Sleep Can Reduce Cancer Risk
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Exercise has countless benefits, not the least of which is lowering the risk of cancer. But without a good night's sleep, those extra hours at the gym may not matter, reports CBS station WCBS-TV in New York.
Lisa Nemcheck is trying to stay one step ahead of cancer.
"I recently joined a gym. I started swimming and I exercise five times a week," Nemcheck said.
As a breast cancer survivor, she knows that exercise and sleep are important for staying cancer free.
"I listen to my body and my body tells me that I do have to rest," Nemcheck said.
And now a new study suggests that all women might want to follow her lead. The National Cancer Institute found that exercising can reduce a woman's risk of getting cancer by as much as 20 percent.
"This is one of the first studies out that has shown that in women who do not have a history of breast cancer, that they can actually reduce their risk by exercising," said Dr. Susan Boolbol of Beth Israel Medical Center.
But exercise can't help you -- if you aren't getting a good night's sleep.
Researchers found getting less than seven hours a night eliminated the cancer fighting benefits of exercise, and in some cases, actually increased the risk by 50 percent.
Studies have shown a lack of sleep interferes with the production of a hormone called melatonin, and that may play an important role in preventing cancer.
But more research needs to be done to determine the exact connections between exercise, rest and cancer.
"There are certain things that we can alter in our lifestyle to lead a healthier lifestyle and hopefully reduce our risk of developing cancer," Dr. Boolbol said.
And for Nemcheck, who's already battled the disease once …
"Anything that you can do to feel better, be healthier... is a no brainer," Nemcheck said.
She's willing to take the simple steps -- now.
Sleep also works in tandem with exercise to control your waistline. Sleeping less than seven hours a night disrupts hormones important in controlling appetite. And insomniacs are more likely to be overweight, than sound sleepers.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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